Absorbent article with multi-directional extensible side panels

ABSTRACT

Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders, training pants, feminine hygiene garments, and the like, having extensible side panel features that improve the dynamic fit of the diaper around the legs and waist of the wearer. Such absorbent articles include a containment assembly including a liquid pervious topsheet; a liquid impervious backsheet; an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; and extensible side panels, each including a waist panel and a thigh panel disposed along each longitudinal edge of the containment assembly in the first waist region. The waist panel and the thigh panel are operatively associated so that the waist panel has a primary direction of extensibility in one direction and the thigh panel has a primary direction of extensibility in a different direction. This forms a multi-directional extensible side panel wherein the waist panel provides tension around the wearer&#39;s waist to maintain fit about the waist and to hold the diaper on the wearer, and the thigh panel expands and contracts to maintain a dynamic fit around the leg of the wearer. Thus, the waist and thigh panels reduce the negative effects of the dynamic forces on the absorbent article, such as sagging and gapping that can cause leakage, while increasing freedom of motion and wearer comfort.

This application is continuation of application Ser. No. 08/155,048,filed on Nov. 19, 1993, which is abandoned.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as diapers,incontinent briefs, diaper holders, training pants, and the like and,more particularly, to absorbent articles having extensible side panelsproviding dynamic fit about the wearer as well as improved comfortcharacteristics.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Infants and other incontinent individuals wear absorbent articles suchas diapers to receive and contain urine and other body exudates.Absorbent articles function both to contain discharged materials and toisolate these materials from the body of the wearer and from thewearer's garments and bed clothing. Disposable absorbent articles havingmany different basic designs are known to the art. For example, U.S.Pat. No. Re. 26,152, entitled "Disposable Diaper" issued to Duncan andBaker on Jan. 31, 1967 describes a disposable diaper which has achievedwide acceptance and commercial success.

In order to provide better fit and to reduce leakage, absorbent articleshave been provided with elastic features. U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,003,entitled "Contractible Side Portions For Disposable Diaper", issued toKenneth B. Buell on Jan. 14, 1975, describes an elasticized leg cuffdisposable diaper which has achieved wide acceptance and commercialsuccess. U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,092 issued to Buell et al., on Sep. 29,1992 describes an absorbent article having an elastic waist featureimproving dynamic fit as well as containment characteristics. U.S. Pat.No. 4,857,067 issued to Wood, et al. on Aug. 15, 1989 describes adisposable diaper with elastic side panels to fit over the hips of thewearer. The elastic features are designed to expand and contract withthe wearer's motions and to maintain the fit of the absorbent articleabout the wearer during use (i.e. provide sustained dynamic fit).

However, it has been found that absorbent articles having elasticfeatures still have a tendency to gap or to be too tight during use. Asthe wearer moves, changes occur in the wearer's body measurements,particularly in the hips and thighs, thereby subjecting the diaper todynamic forces. These dynamic forces tend to deform the materials makingup the diaper and tend to push the diaper away from the body. As aresult, the diaper tends to sag or gap away from the wearer, especiallyin the regions of dynamic motion such as the hips and thighs.Conventional disposable diapers were originally made of non-elasticmaterials unable to elastically expand to accommodate the wearer'sbodily movements. The introduction of unitary elastic side panelfeatures to conventional disposable diapers has improved their fit andcomfort by allowing the side panels to expand generally in the lateraldirection around the waist of the wearer. However, unitary elastic sidepanels are unable to fully elastically expand in directions other thanthe lateral direction without placing undue pressure on the wearer'slegs, hips or waist. Because the wearer's movements create dynamicforces in many different directions, conventional disposable diapershaving unitary elastic side panel features still tend to gap away fromthe body causing an increased likelihood of leakage and exerting forceson the wearer that can be uncomfortable and cause red marks on thewearer's skin.

Thus, it would be advantageous to provide an absorbent article havingimproved extensible side panels that provide better fit and wearercomfort as well as reduced leakage, sagging and gapping during use.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide anabsorbent article having improved dynamic fit about the waist and leg ofthe wearer by reducing sagging and gapping of the absorbent article onthe wearer.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an absorbentarticle having unique multi-directional extensible side panels thatexpand and contract in multiple directions to minimize the effects ofthe dynamic forces created by the wearer's movements, thereby increasingfreedom of motion and comfort for the wearer while improving sustaineddynamic fit of the absorbent article.

These and other objectives of the present invention will be more readilyapparent when considered in reference to the following description andwhen taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides absorbent articles such as disposablediapers, incontinence briefs, diaper holders, training pants, femininehygiene garments, and the like, having extensible side panel featuresthat improve the dynamic fit of the diaper around the legs and waist ofthe wearer. Such absorbent articles comprise a containment assemblycomprising a liquid pervious topsheet; a liquid impervious backsheet; anabsorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; andextensible side panels, each comprising a waist panel and a thigh paneldisposed along each longitudinal edge of the containment assembly in thefirst waist region. The waist panel and the thigh panel are preferablyoperatively associated so that the waist panel has a primary directionof extensibility in one direction and the thigh panel has a primarydirection of extensibility in a different direction. This forms amulti-directional extensible side panel wherein the waist panel providestension around the wearer's waist to maintain fit about the waist and tohold the diaper on the wearer, and the thigh panel expands and contractsto maintain a dynamic fit around the leg of the wearer. Thus, the waistand thigh panels reduce the negative effects of the dynamic forces onthe absorbent article, such as sagging and gapping that can causeleakage, while increasing freedom of motion and wearer comfort.

The extensible side panels may comprise a single piece of extensiblematerial or two or more separate elements joined together to form theextensible side panels. Further, the extensible side panels may beextensions of other elements of the absorbent article or a separatestructure joined to another element of the absorbent article. Mechanicaloperations such as pleating, corrugating, ring-rolling or the like canbe performed on the side panels to provide the unique multi-directionalextensibility characteristics of the present invention. Alternatively,the material may be folded, slit or cut to form distinct waist and thighpanels having different directions of extensibility.

In yet other embodiments, the multi-directional stretch characteristicsare derived from extensible side panels comprising separate waist andthigh panel members having nonparallel primary directions ofextensibility. In a preferred embodiment, the waist panel has a primarydirection of extensibility about the waist of the wearer and the thighpanel has a primary direction of extensibility that is nonparallel tothat of the waist panel, preferably at an angle to the lateral andlongitudinal directions. In this configuration, the waist panelelastically contracts to provide an inward force that holds theabsorbent article in place about the wearer during use while the thighpanel expands and contracts in conjunction with the leg movements of thewearer. Thus, the multi-directional extensible side panels reduce thepossibility of gapping in the waist and thigh regions of the absorbentarticle as well as reduce the likelihood of marks on the wearer's skinresulting from tension and dynamic forces.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as formingthe present invention, it is believed that the invention will be betterunderstood from the following description which is taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings in which like designations are used todesignate substantially identical elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a disposable diaper embodiment of the presentinvention having portions cut away to reveal underlying structure, theinner surface of the diaper facing the viewer;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary view of the inner surface of oneversion of the extensible side panel of the diaper shown in FIG. 1having portions cut away to reveal the underlying structure;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary view of the outer surface of oneversion of the extensible side panel of the diaper shown in FIG. 1having portions cut away to reveal the underlying structure;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary plan view of the inner surface of theextensible side panel of the diaper shown in FIG. 1 showing the waistpanel's primary direction of extensibility and the thigh panel's primarydirection of extensibility with respect to a lateral axis. The tape taband the stiffening members shown in FIG. 1 have been deleted forclarity;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a multiple component extensible side panelconfiguration wherein the distal edges of the waist panel and the thighpanel are not joined;

FIG. 6 is a plan view drawing of a preferred embodiment of a polymericweb material having a strainable network with the deformations facingtoward the viewer;

FIG. 7 is a segmented, perspective illustration of the polymeric webmaterial of FIG. 6 in an untensioned condition;

FIG. 8 is a segmented, perspective illustration of a polymeric web ofFIG. 6 in a tensioned condition corresponding to stage I on theforce-elongation curve depicted in FIG. 10;

FIG. 9 is a segmented, perspective illustration of the polymeric webmaterial of FIG. 6 in a tensioned condition corresponding to stage II onthe force-elongation curve depicted in FIG. 10;

FIG. 10 is a graph of the resistive force verses percent elongationcomparing the behavior of the polymeric web material of the presentinvention as shown in FIG. 6, with an otherwise identical, planar, basepolymeric web material;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged, fragmentary plan view of an alternativeembodiment of the present invention wherein the extensible side panelcomprises a single component;

FIG. 12 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention wherein a single extensible component is folded to form theextensible side panels as well as the waist feature and the leg cuffs ofthe disposable absorbent article.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein, the term "absorbent article" refers to devices whichabsorb and contain body exudates, and, more specifically, refers todevices which are placed against or in proximity to the body of thewearer to absorb and contain the various exudates discharged from thebody. The term "disposable" is used herein to describe absorbentarticles which are not intended to be laundered or otherwise restored orreused as an absorbent article (i.e., they are intended to be discardedafter a single use and, preferably, to be recycled, composted orotherwise disposed of in an environmentally compatible manner). Apreferred embodiment of an absorbent article of the present invention isthe disposable absorbent article, diaper 20, shown in FIG. 1. As usedherein, the term "diaper" refers to an absorbent article generally wornby infants and incontinent persons that is worn about the lower torso ofthe wearer. It should be understood, however, that the present inventionis also applicable to other absorbent articles such as incontinentbriefs, incontinent undergarments, diaper holders and liners, femininehygiene garments, training pants, and the like.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the diaper 20 of the present invention in itsflat-out, uncontracted state (i.e., with elastic induced contractionpulled out) with portions of the structure being cut-away to moreclearly show the construction of the diaper 20 and with the portion ofthe diaper 20 which faces or contacts the wearer, the inner surface,oriented towards the viewer. As shown in FIG. 1, the diaper 20preferably comprises a containment assembly 22 comprising a liquidpervious topsheet 24; a liquid impervious backsheet 26 joined with thetopsheet 24; and an absorbent core 28 positioned between the topsheet 24and the backsheet 26. The diaper further comprises elasticized leg cuffs32; ear flaps 62; an elastic waist feature 34; a fastening system 48comprising a pair of first fastening members 40, each having a primarycenterline F, and a second fastening member 42; and extensible sidepanels 30, each comprising an extensible waist panel 36 and a thighpanel 38. Each extensible side panel 30 has a proximal edge 80 and adistal edge 82.

The diaper 20 also has two centerlines, a longitudinal centerline 100and a transverse centerline 102. The term "longitudinal", as usedherein, refers to a line, axis, or direction in the plane of the diaper20 that is generally aligned with (e.g. approximately parallel with) avertical plane which bisects a standing wearer into left and righthalves when the diaper 20 is worn. The terms "transverse" and "lateral",as used herein, are interchangeable and refer to a line, axis ordirection which lies within the plane of the diaper that is generallyperpendicular to the longitudinal direction (which divides the wearerinto front and back body halves).

As shown in FIG. 1, the extensible side panel 30 preferably comprises awaist panel 36 and a thigh panel 38 that are operatively associated in acontractible condition such that the waist panel 36 and the thigh panel38 have nonparallel primary directions of extensibility. (The terms"waist panel" and "thigh panel" refer to extensible components of theextensible side panels, each having a primary direction ofextensibility. As used herein, "primary direction of extensibility"refers to the direction in which an extensible member has the greatestextension). FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the present inventionwherein the waist panel 36 has a primary direction of extensibilityabout the waist of the wearer and the thigh panel 38 has a primarydirection of extensibility nonparallel to that of the waist panel 36.(The primary direction of extensibility in the waist panel 36 isrepresented by arrow G in FIG. 1. The primary direction of extensibilityin the thigh panel 38 is represented by arrow H in FIG. 1.) In anespecially preferred embodiment, the thigh panel 38 has a primarydirection of extensibility that is nonparallel to the lateral or thelongitudinal direction. (The lateral direction is defined as thedirection parallel to the lateral centerline of the diaper, and thelongitudinal direction is defined as the direction parallel to thelongitudinal centerline.) The extensible side panels 30 provide a morecomfortable and contouring fit by initially conformably fitting thediaper 20 to the wearer and sustaining the fit throughout the time ofwear well past when the diaper 20 has been loaded with exudates sincethe extensible side panels 30 allow the sides of the diaper 20 to expandand contract. The waist panel 36 elastically contracts providing aninward force that holds the diaper in place about the wearer during use.The thigh panel 38 expands and contracts with the leg movements of thewearer. Thus, the multi-directional extensible waist and thigh panelsreduce the possibility of gapping in the waist or thigh regions of thediaper and the likelihood of marks on the wearer resulting fromfastening tension and dynamic forces.

The diaper 20 is shown in FIG. 1 to have an inner surface 44 (facing theviewer in FIG. 1), an outer surface 46 opposed to the inner surface 44,a first waist region 50, a second waist region 52 opposed to the firstwaist region 50, a crotch region 54 positioned between the first waistregion 50 and the second waist region 52, a waist encirclable edge 51, aleg encirclable edge 53. The longitudinal edges 56 of the containmentassembly 22 form a portion of the leg encirclable edge 53 and the endedges 58 of the containment assembly 22 form a portion of the waistencirclable edge 51. The inner surface 44 of the diaper 20 comprisesthat portion of the diaper 20 which is positioned adjacent to thewearer's body during use (i.e., the inner surface 44 generally is formedby at least a portion of the topsheet 24 and other components joined tothe topsheet 24). The outer surface 46 comprises that portion of thediaper 20 which is positioned away from the wearer's body (i.e., theouter surface 46 is generally formed by at least a portion of thebacksheet 26 and other components joined to the backsheet 26). As usedherein, the term "joined" encompasses configurations whereby an elementis directly secured to the other element by affixing the elementdirectly to the other element, and configurations whereby the element isindirectly secured to the other element by affixing the element tointermediate member(s) which in turn are affixed to the other element.The first waist region 50 and the second waist region 52 extend from theend edges 58 to the crotch region 54. The first waist region 50comprises a central region 60 and a pair of extensible side panels 30which typically comprise the outer lateral portions of the first waistregion 50. The second waist region 52 comprises a central region 172 anda pair of ear flaps 62 which typically comprise the outer lateralportions of the second waist region 52. The extensible side panelspositioned in the first waist region 50 are designated 30 while the earflaps in the second waist region 52 are designated 62.

The containment assembly 22 of the diaper 20 is shown in FIG. 1 ascomprising the main body (chassis) of the diaper 20. The containmentassembly 22 comprises at least an absorbent core 28 and preferably anouter covering layer comprising the topsheet 24 and the backsheet 26.When the absorbent article comprises a separate holder and a liner, thecontainment assembly 22 generally comprises the holder and the liner(i.e., the containment assembly 22 comprises one or more layers ofmaterial to define the holder while the liner comprises an absorbentcomposite such as a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core.)Generally, the containment assembly 22 comprises the main structure ofthe diaper with other features added to form the composite diaperstructure. Thus, the containment assembly 22 for the diaper 20 generallycomprises the topsheet 24, the backsheet 26, and the absorbent core 28.

FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the containment assembly 22 inwhich the topsheet 24 and the backsheet 26 have length and widthdimensions generally larger than those of the absorbent core 28. Thetopsheet 24 and the backsheet 26 extend beyond the edges of theabsorbent core 28. While the topsheet 24, the backsheet 26, and theabsorbent core 28 may be assembled in a variety of well knownconfigurations, preferred containment assembly configurations aredescribed generally in U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,003 entitled "ContractibleSide Portions for Disposable Diaper" which issued to Kenneth B. Buell onJan. 14, 1975; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,092 entitled "Absorbent ArticleWith Dynamic Elastic Waist Feature Having A Predisposed ResilientFlexural Hinge" which issued to Kenneth B. Buell et al., on Sep. 29,1992; each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are enlarged, fragmentary views of the extensible sidepanel 30 having portions cut away to reveal the underlying structure.FIG. 2 shows the inner surface of the extensible side panel 30 and FIG.3 shows the outer surface of the extensible side panel 30. In themultiple component embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the extensibleside panel 30 comprises a waist panel 36 having a waist panel proximaledge 72, a waist panel distal edge 74, a waist panel first lateral edge90, and a waist panel second lateral edge 92, and a thigh panel 38having a thigh panel proximal edge 78, a thigh panel distal edge 76, athigh panel first lateral edge 94, and a thigh panel second lateral edge96. As shown in FIG. 2, the waist panel proximal edge 72 and the thighpanel proximal edge 78 may be joined between the topsheet 24 and thebacksheet 26. Alternatively, either the waist panel proximal edge 72 orthe thigh panel proximal edge 78, or both, can both be joined to theouter surface 46 of the backsheet 26, the inner surface 44 of thetopsheet 24. FIG. 2 additionally shows the waist panel 36 and the thighpanel 38 operatively associated in a partially overlapping configurationwherein the waist panel distal edge 74 is joined to the thigh paneldistal edge 76.

As shown in FIG. 2, a first fastening member 40 is preferably disposedadjacent the distal edge 82 of the extensible side panel 30. The firstfastening member 40 is preferably operatively associated such that it isjoined to both the waist panel 36 and the thigh panel 38. Thus, a forceon the first fastening member 40 provides tension throughout both thewaist panel 36 and the thigh panel 38. FIG. 2 also shows a proximalstiffening member 84 disposed adjacent the proximal edge 80 of theextensible side panel 30 and a distal stiffening member 86 disposedadjacent the distal edge 82 of the extensible side panel 30. Theproximal stiffening member 84 prevents the proximal edge 80 of eachextensible side panel 30 from buckling while in use and the distalstiffening member 86 helps to distribute the forces on the fasteningsystem 48 throughout each extensible side panel 30. As shown in FIG. 2,the proximal stiffening member 84 and the distal stiffening member 86may be separate elements joined to the absorbent article by attachmentmeans (not shown) such as those well known in the art, or may be unitarywith an element of the absorbent article.

The absorbent core 28 may be any absorbent member which is generallycompressible, conformable, non-irritating to the wearer's skin, andcapable of absorbing and retaining liquids such as urine and othercertain body exudates. As shown in FIG. 1, the absorbent core 28 has anouter surface 64, an inner surface 66, side edges 68, and waist edges70. The absorbent core 28 may be manufactured in a wide variety of sizesand shapes (e.g., rectangular, hourglass, "T"-shaped, asymmetric, etc.)and from a wide variety of liquid-absorbent materials commonly used indisposable diapers and other absorbent articles such as comminuted woodpulp which is generally referred to as airfelt. Examples of othersuitable absorbent materials include creped cellulose wadding; meltblownpolymers including coform; chemically stiffened, modified orcross-linked cellulosic fibers; tissue including tissue wraps and tissuelaminates; absorbent foams; absorbent sponges; superabsorbent polymers;absorbent gelling materials; or any equivalent material or combinationsof materials.

The configuration and construction of the absorbent core 28 may vary(e.g., the absorbent core may have varying caliper zones, a hydrophilicgradient, a superabsorbent gradient, or lower average density and loweraverage basis weight acquisition zones; or may comprise one or morelayers or structures). However, the total absorbent capacity of theabsorbent core 28 should be compatible with the design loading and theintended use of the diaper 20. The size and absorbent capacity of theabsorbent core 28 may also be varied to accommodate wearers ranging frominfants through adults.

One embodiment of the diaper 20 has asymmetric, modified T-shaped,absorbent core 28 having ears in the first waist region but a generallyrectangular shape in the second waist region. Exemplary absorbentstructures for use as the absorbent core 28 of the present inventionthat have achieved wide acceptance and commercial success are describedin U.S. Pat. No. 4,610,678 entitled "High-Density Absorbent Structures"issued to Weisman et al. on Sep. 9, 1986; U.S. Pat. No. 4,673,402entitled "Absorbent Articles With Dual-Layered Cores" issued to Weismanet al. on Jun. 16, 1987; U.S. Pat. No. 4,888,231 entitled "AbsorbentCore Having A Dusting Layer" issued to Angstadt on Dec. 19, 1989; andU.S. Pat. No. 4,834,735, entitled "High Density Absorbent Members HavingLower Density and Lower Basis Weight Acquisition Zones", issued toAlemany et al. on May 30, 1989. The absorbent core may further comprisethe dual core system containing acquisition/distribution core ofchemically stiffened fibers positioned over the absorbent storage coresas detailed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,234,423, entitled "Absorbent Article WithElastic Waist Feature and Enhanced Absorbency" issued to Alemany et al.,on Aug. 10, 1993; and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,147,345, entitled "HighEfficiency Absorbent Articles For Incontinence Management" issued toYoung, LaVon and Taylor on Sep. 15, 1992. All of these patents areincorporated herein by reference.

The backsheet 26 is positioned adjacent the outer surface 64 of theabsorbent core 28 and is preferably joined thereto by attachment means(not shown) such as those well known in the art. For example, thebacksheet 26 may be secured to the absorbent core 28 by a uniformcontinuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, or an arrayof separate lines, spirals, or spots of adhesive. Adhesives which havebeen found to be satisfactory are manufactured by H. B. Fuller Companyof St. Paul, Minn. and marketed as HL-1258. An example of a suitableattachment means comprising an open pattern network of filaments ofadhesive is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,573,986 entitled "DisposableWaste-Containment Garment", which issued to Minetola et al. on Mar. 4,1986. Another suitable attachment means comprising several lines ofadhesive filaments swirled into a spiral pattern is illustrated by theapparatus and methods shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,911,173 issued toSprague, Jr. on Oct. 7, 1975; U.S. Pat. No. 4,785,996 issued to Ziecker,et al. on Nov. 22, 1978; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,842,666 issued to Wereniczon Jun. 27, 1989. Each of these patents are incorporated herein byreference. Alternatively, the attachment means may comprise heat bonds,pressure bonds, ultrasonic bonds, dynamic mechanical bonds, or any othersuitable attachment means or combinations of these attachment means asare known in the art.

The backsheet 26 is impervious to liquids (e.g., urine) and ispreferably manufactured from a thin plastic film, although otherflexible liquid impervious materials may also be used. As used herein,the term "flexible" refers to materials which are compliant and willreadily conform to the general shape and contours of the human body. Thebacksheet 26 prevents the exudates absorbed and contained in theabsorbent core 28 from wetting articles which contact the diaper 20 suchas bedsheets and undergarments. Further, the backsheet 26 may permitvapors to escape from the absorbent core 28 (i.e., breathable) whilestill preventing exudates from passing through the backsheet 26. Thus,the backsheet 26 may comprise a woven or nonwoven material, polymericfilms such as thermoplastic films of polyethylene or polypropylene, orcomposite materials such as a film-coated nonwoven material. An exampleof a suitable backsheet is a thermoplastic film having a thickness offrom about 0.012 mm (0.5 mil) to about 0.051 mm (2.0 mils). Othersuitable materials for the backsheet 26 include RR8220 blown films andRR5475 cast films as manufactured by Tredegar Industries, Inc. of TerreHaute, Ind. The backsheet 26 is preferably embossed and/or mattefinished to provide a more clothlike appearance.

The topsheet 24 is positioned adjacent the inner surface 66 of theabsorbent core 28 and is preferably joined thereto and to the backsheet26 by attachment means (not shown) such as those well known in the art.Suitable attachment means are described with respect to joining thebacksheet 26 to the absorbent core 28. In a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, the topsheet 24 and the backsheet 26 are joineddirectly to each other in the diaper periphery 55 and are indirectlyjoined together by directly joining them to the absorbent core 28 by theattachment means (not shown).

The topsheet 24 is compliant, soft feeling, and non-irritating to thewearer's skin. Further, the topsheet 24 is preferably liquid perviouspermitting liquids (e.g., urine) to readily penetrate through itsthickness. A suitable topsheet 24 may be manufactured from a wide rangeof materials, such as porous foams; reticulated foams; apertured plasticfilms; or woven or nonwoven webs of natural fibers (e.g., wood or cottonfibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester or polypropylene fibers), ora combination of natural and synthetic fibers. The topsheet 24 ispreferably made of a hydrophobic material to isolate the wearer's skinfrom liquids which have passed through the topsheet 24 and are containedin the absorbent core 28 (i.e. to prevent rewet). If the topsheet 24 ismade of a hydrophobic material, at least the upper surface of thetopsheet 24 is treated to be hydrophilic so that liquids will transferthrough the topsheet more rapidly. This diminishes the likelihood thatbody exudates will flow off the topsheet 24 rather than being drawnthrough the topsheet 24 and being absorbed by the absorbent core 28. Thetopsheet 24 can be rendered hydrophilic by treating it with asurfactant. Suitable methods for treating the topsheet 24 with asurfactant include spraying the topsheet 24 material with the surfactantand immersing the material into the surfactant. A more detaileddiscussion of such a treatment and hydrophilicity is contained in U.S.Pat. No. 4,988,344 entitled "Absorbent Articles with Multiple LayerAbsorbent Layers" issued to Reising, et al on Jan. 29, 1991 and U.S.Pat. No. 4,988,345 entitled "Absorbent Articles with Rapid AcquiringAbsorbent Cores" issued to Reising on Jan. 29, 1991, each of which isincorporated by reference herein.

There are a number of manufacturing techniques which may be used tomanufacture the topsheet 24. For example, the topsheet 24 may be anonwoven web of fibers. When the topsheet 24 comprises a nonwoven web,the web may be spunbonded, carded, wet-laid, melt-blown, hydroentangled,combinations of the above, or the like. A suitable topsheet 24 is cardedand thermally bonded by means well known to those skilled in the fabricsart. A satisfactory topsheet 24 comprises staple length polypropylenefibers having a denier of about 2.2. As used herein, the term "staplelength fibers" refers to those fibers having a length of at least about15.9 mm (0.625 inches). Preferably, the topsheet 24 has a basis weightfrom about 18 to about 25 grams per square meter. A suitable topsheet ismanufactured by Veratec, Inc., a Division of International PaperCompany, of Walpole, Mass. under the designation P-8.

The diaper 20 preferably further comprises elasticized leg cuffs 32 forproviding improved containment of liquids and other body exudates. Eachelasticized leg cuff 32 may comprise several different embodiments forreducing the leakage of body exudates in the leg regions. (The leg cuffcan be and is sometimes also referred to as leg bands, side flaps,barrier cuffs, or elastic cuffs.) U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,003 describes adisposable diaper which provides a contractible leg opening having aside flap and one or more elastic members to provide an elasticized legcuff (gasketing cuff). U.S. Pat. No. 4,909,803 entitled "DisposableAbsorbent Article Having Elasticized Flaps" issued to Aziz et al. onMar. 20, 1990, describes a disposable diaper having "stand-up"elasticized flaps (barrier cuffs) to improve the containment of the legregions. U.S. Pat. No. 4,695,278 entitled "Absorbent Article Having DualCuffs" issued to Lawson on Sep. 22, 1987, describes a disposable diaperhaving dual cuffs including a gasketing cuff and a barrier cuff. Whileeach elasticized leg cuff 32 may be configured so as to be similar toany of the leg bands, side flaps, barrier cuffs, or elastic cuffsdescribed above, each elasticized leg cuff 32 comprises a gasketing cuffas described in the above-referenced U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,003.

The diaper 20 preferably further comprises an elastic waist feature 34that helps provide improved fit and containment. The elastic waistfeature 34 is that portion or zone of the diaper 20 which is intended toelastically expand and contract to dynamically fit the wearer's waist.The elastic waist feature 34 preferably extends longitudinally outwardlyfrom at least one of the waist edges 70 of the absorbent core 28 andgenerally forms at least a portion of the end edge 58 of the containmentassembly 22. Disposable diapers are generally constructed so as to havetwo elastic waist features, one positioned in the first waist region 50and one positioned in the second waist region 52, although diapers canbe constructed with a single elastic waist feature. Further, while theelastic waist feature 34 or any of its constituent elements can comprisea separate element affixed to the diaper 20, the elastic waist feature34 may be constructed as an extension of other elements of the diapersuch as the backsheet 26 or the topsheet 24, preferably both thebacksheet 26 and the topsheet 24. The waist feature 34 may beconstructed in a number of different configurations including thosedescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,515,595 issued to Kievit et al. on May 7,1985 and the above referenced U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,092 issued to Buell;each of these references being incorporated herein by reference.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the diaper 20 alsocomprises ear flaps 62 that extend laterally outwardly from eachlongitudinal edge 56 of the containment assembly 22 in the second waistregion 52. The ear flaps 62 provide a structure to which the first waistregion 50 can be attached to encircle the legs and waist of the wearer.The ear flaps 62 may take on a number of different sizes, shapes,configurations, and materials. The ear flaps 62 may comprise a portionof the material making up one or more of the diaper elements, includingthe topsheet 24, and the backsheet 26. Alternatively, the ear flaps 62may comprise a separate element or a plurality of elements affixed tothe diaper. Suitable materials for use as the ear flaps 62 include wovenwebs; nonwoven webs; films, including polymeric films; foams; laminatematerials including film laminates, nonwoven laminates, or zero strainlaminates; elastomers; composites; or any combination of materialsherein described or as described with respect to the extensible sidepanels as are known in the art. The ear flaps 62 may be joined to thecontainment assembly 22 by any means as known in the art; for examplethe ear flaps 62 may be continuously or intermittently bonded to thecontainment assembly using heated or unheated adhesive, heat bonding,pressure bonding, ultrasonic bonding, dynamic mechanical bonding or anyother method that is known in the art.

The diaper 20 additionally comprises an extensible side panel 30disposed adjacent each longitudinal edge 56 of the containment assembly22 of the diaper 20, preferably in the first waist region 50. (As usedherein, the term "disposed" means that an element(s) of the absorbentarticle is formed (joined and positioned) in a particular place orposition as a unitary structure with other elements of the absorbentarticle or as a separate element joined to another element of theabsorbent article.) The extensible side panels 30 provide an elasticallyextensible feature that provides a more comfortable and contouring fitby initially conformably fitting the diaper to the wearer and sustainingthe fit throughout the time of wear well past when the diaper has beenloaded with exudates since the extensible side panels 30 allow the sidesof the diaper 20 to expand and contract. The extensible side panels 30further provide more effective application of the diaper since even ifthe diaperer fits the diaper to the wearer asymmetrically, the diaperwill "self-adjust" during wear to attain an improved fit. The extensibleside panels 30 of the present invention also provide improved dynamicfit about the waist as well as the thigh of the wearer, reducing thepossibility of sagging and gapping both at the waist and about the legthat can cause leakage, while increasing freedom of motion and wearercomfort in each area.

Each extensible side panel 30 comprises a waist panel 36 and a thighpanel 38. The waist panel 36 preferably has a different primarydirection of extensibility than the thigh panel 38, providing theextensible side panel 30 with unique multi-directional stretchcharacteristics. The waist panel 36 is that portion or element of theextensible side panel 30 designed to initially provide the tension tosecure the diaper 20 about the waist of the wearer, and once"activated", to dynamically expand and contract with the motions of thewearer to maintain the waist of the diaper in a snug 20, yet comfortablefit throughout the period of use. (As used herein, the term "activate"or "activated" means to apply tension to an extensible material in arelaxed condition such that the extensible material is no longer in arelaxed condition and thus, may expand and contract with the motions ofthe wearer.) The waist panel 36 is disposed longitudinally outboard ofthe thigh panel 38 and forms a portion of the waist encirclable edge 51.The waist panel 36 has a waist panel proximal edge 72, a waist paneldistal edge 74 laterally opposed to the waist panel proximal edge 72, afirst lateral edge 90 extending between the waist panel proximal edge 72and the waist panel distal edge 74, and a second lateral edge 92longitudinally opposed to the first lateral edge 90. In one preferredembodiment, the waist panel 36 is positioned so that the first lateraledge 90 is positioned farther from the transverse centerline 102 of thecontainment assembly 22 than the second lateral edge 92 and forms a partof the end edge 58 of the containment assembly 22.

The waist panel 36 comprises an extensible material preferably having aprimary direction of extensibility (represented by arrow G) about thewaist of the wearer. In one preferred embodiment, the waist panel's 36primary direction of extensibility comprises a first vector componentoriented laterally outwardly that is greater than zero and a secondvector component that is greater than or equal to zero and is orientedtowards the lateral centerline 102. More preferably, the first vectorcomponent of the waist panel's primary direction of extensibility isgreater than the second vector component. (It should be noted, however,that the whole or segments of the waist panel 36 may also be extensiblein directions other than the primary direction of extensibility.) AngleA in FIG. 4 represents the angle (measured clockwise orcounterclockwise) between the waist panel's 36 primary direction ofextensibility and the lateral axis 104 which is parallel to the lateralcenterline 102. (In FIG. 4, angle A is measured in a clockwise directionfrom the lateral axis 104.) Angle A is preferably between about 0 and 45degrees from the lateral direction, more preferably between about 5 and20 degrees from the lateral direction, and most preferably between about10 and about 15 degrees from the lateral direction.

The thigh panel 38 is that portion or element of the extensible sidepanel 30 designed to expand and contract with the dynamic motions of thewearer in the outer thigh region where the diaper encircles the wearer'sleg. The thigh panel 38 forms a portion of the leg encirclable edge 53.The thigh panel 38 has a thigh panel proximal edge 78, a thigh paneldistal edge 76 laterally opposed to the thigh panel proximal edge 78, afirst lateral edge 94 extending between the thigh panel proximal edge 78and the thigh panel distal edge 76, and a second lateral edge 96longitudinally opposed to the first lateral edge 94. Preferably, thethigh panel 38 is disposed adjacent the longitudinal edge 56 of thecontainment assembly 22 and extends laterally outwardly from a locationcloser to the transverse centerline 102 of the containment assembly 22than the waist panel 36. Preferably, the second lateral edge 96 of thethigh panel 38 is positioned farther from the end edge 58 of thecontainment assembly 22 than the first lateral edge 94. In a preferredembodiment, when the diaper 20 is fitted to the wearer, the secondlateral edge 96 forms a part of the diaper 20 that encircles the thighof the wearer.

The thigh panel 38 preferably comprises an extensible material having aprimary direction of extensibility (represented by arrow H) nonparallelto the waist panel's primary direction of extensibility, preferably atan angle to the lateral and the longitudinal directions. In onepreferred embodiment, the thigh panel's primary direction ofextensibility comprises a first vector component oriented laterallyoutwardly that is greater than zero and a second vector component thatis greater than or equal to zero and is oriented away from the lateralcenterline 102. (The whole or segments of the thigh panel may also beextensible in directions other than the primary direction ofextensibility.) As shown in FIG. 4, angle B represents the angle betweenthe thigh panel's primary direction of extensibility and the lateralaxis 104. (As used herein, the angle B is measured counterclockwise fromthe lateral axis 104.) Angle B is preferably between about 0 and 40degrees from the lateral direction, more preferably between about 10 and35 degrees from the lateral direction, and most preferably between about20 and about 30 degrees from the lateral direction. In a preferredembodiment, when the diaper 20 is initially fitted to the wearer, thethigh panel 38 encircles the outer thigh portion of the wearer's leg.Once "activated", the thigh panel 38 dynamically expands and contractsin conjunction with the motions of the wearer's legs to maintain a snugfit about the leg of the wearer throughout the period of use. Thisimproves the containment characteristics of the diaper while reducingthe likelihood of red marks on the wearer's skin.

The waist panel 36 and the thigh panel 38, and thus, the extensible sidepanel 30, may take on a number of different sizes, shapes,configurations and materials. The exact length, width and thickness ofthe extensible side panel 30, as well as the waist panel 36 and thethigh panel 38, will vary depending on the dimensions of the intendeduser and the exact configuration of the extensible side panels 30.Accordingly, the waist panel 36 can be identical in size and shape tothe thigh panel 38 or can have different dimensions so long as the waistpanel 36 can be operatively associated to the thigh panel 38 and thecontainment assembly 22 of the diaper 20 to provide themulti-directional stretch characteristics of the invention as describedherein. An example of suitable extensible side panels 30 to be worn by amedium sized infant are generally trapezoidal in shape having dimensionsbetween about 2 and 4 inches in the longitudinal direction and betweenabout 2 and 5 inches in the lateral direction.

The extensible side panels 30 may comprise a single piece of extensiblematerial, or two or more extensible members operatively associatedtogether to form each extensible side panel 30. As used herein, theterms "single component extensible side panel" or "single componentembodiment" refers to embodiments of the present invention wherein theextensible side panel comprises a single extensible member. The terms"multiple-component extensible side panel" or "multiple componentembodiment" are used herein to denote embodiments of the presentinvention wherein the extensible side panel 30 comprises two or moreextensible members operatively associated together to form theextensible side panel 30. In a preferred embodiment, the extensible sidepanels 30 comprise more than one, preferably two, extensible members, awaist panel member 37 forming the waist panel 36 and a separate thighpanel member 39 forming the thigh panel 38. The extensible members canbe constructed as extensions of other elements of the diaper such as thebacksheet 26 or the topsheet 24, or both, or they can comprise whollyseparate elements affixed to the containment assembly 22.

The proximal edge 80 of the extensible side panel 30 is disposedadjacent one longitudinal edge 56 of the containment assembly 22 of thediaper. In one configuration, the proximal edge 80 of the extensibleside panel 30 is disposed between the topsheet 24 and the backsheet 26.However, the extensible side panel 30 can be joined to the containmentassembly 22 in many different configurations. For example, the proximaledge 80 of the extensible side panel 30 can be joined to the outersurface 46 of the backsheet 26 or to the inner surface 44 of thetopsheet 24. Alternatively, in a multiple component embodiment where thewaist panel 36 and the thigh panel 38 comprise separate extensiblemembers, the waist panel member 37 and the thigh panel member 39 can bedisposed on the same or different surfaces, or between the topsheet 24and the backsheet 26. In yet other embodiments, the extensible sidepanel 30 or any of its components, can be disposed on a separate elementthat is joined to the containment assembly 22.

The extensible side panel 30 is preferably joined to the containmentassembly 22 or to the diaper 20 by attachment means (not shown) such asthose well known in the art. A suitable means for attaching eachextensible side panel 30 to the containment assembly 22 is fusionbonding (e.g. ultrasonic, heat or pressure bonding). Alternatively, theextensible side panel 30 may be intermittently or continuously bonded tothe containment assembly 22 using adhesive, dynamic mechanical bonding,or any other method that is known in the art.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIGS. 1,2, and 3, at least a portion of the waist panel 36 and the thigh panel38 are joined together. Preferably, at least a portion of the waistpanel distal edge 74 is joined to at least a portion of the thigh paneldistal edge 76. In multiple component embodiments, it is preferred thatthe waist panel distal edge 74 and the thigh panel distal edge 76 arejoined in at least a partially overlapping configuration. This ensuresthat forces applied to the first fastening member 40 disposed adjacentthe distal edge 82 of the extensible side panel 30 will "activate" boththe waist panel 36 and the thigh panel 38 such that they may expand andcontract in conjunction with the motions of the wearer. The waist panel36 and the thigh panel 38 may be bonded to each other using adhesive,heat bonding, pressure bonding, ultrasonic bonding, dynamic bonding, orany other method of bonding known in the art.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5, a multiple component extensible sidepanel 30 is possible wherein the waist panel member 37 and the thighpanel member 39 are not initially joined to each other. The waist paneldistal edge 74 is separate from the thigh panel distal edge 76, and eachextensible member has a separate fastening component joined thereto.This gives the diaperer greater flexibility in the placement of thedistal edges of the extensible members that form the waist panel member37 and thigh panel member 39 when fastening the diaper 20 about thewearer. For example, in this configuration, the waist panel member 37and the thigh panel member 39 can be individually fastened to the diaper20 itself. Alternatively, the waist panel member 37 can be refastenablyfastened to the thigh panel member 39 or the thigh panel member 9 can berefastenably fastened to the waist panel member 7. The waist panelmember 37 and the thigh panel member 39 can be refastenably fastened toeach other in a number of locations using the fastening componentspreviously discussed with respect to the waist and thigh panel membersor any other fastening members joined to the waist and thigh panelmembers, such as hook and loop type fasteners.

Each extensible side panel 30 may comprise any suitable extensible,stretchable or elastomeric materials. (As used herein, the term"extensible" refers to materials that can increase in at least onedimension. The term "stretchable" refers to materials that areextensible when stretching forces are applied to the material, and offersome resistance to extension. The term "elastomeric" refers to materialsthat extend in at least one direction when a force is applied and returnto approximately their original dimensions after the force is released.)One elastomeric material that has been found to be especially suitablefor use in the waist panel 36 and the thigh panel 38 is a laminate oftwo coverstock layers with an elastomeric film sandwiched between thecoverstock layers. As used herein "coverstock" may include any woven ornonwoven materials. An example of a suitable coverstock material is thenonwoven material manufactured by Veratec, Inc., a Division of theInternational Paper Company, of Walpole, Mass., designated P-8. Anexample of a suitable film to be sandwiched between coverstock layers isthe elastomeric film, EXX-500, (formerly EXX-7) manufactured by theExxon Chemical Company of Lake Zurich, Ill. Other suitable materials foruse as, or in the extensible side panels and side panel members includestructural elastic-like film (SELF) webs, as described hereinbelow,synthetic or natural rubber, synthetic or natural rubber foams,elastomeric scrims, woven or nonwoven elastomeric webs, elastomericcomposites such as elastomeric nonwoven laminates, zero strain stretchlaminates, prestrained stretch laminates or the like. U.S. Pat. No.5,151,092 entitled "Absorbent Article with Dynamic Elastic Waist FeatureHaving a Predisposed Resilient Flexural Hinge" issued to Buell et al.,on Sep. 29, 1992 describes suitable zero stain stretch laminates andprestrained stretch laminates, and is herein incorporated by reference.

A structural elastic-like film (SELF) web is an extensible material thatexhibits an elastic-like behavior in the direction of elongation withoutthe use of added elastic materials. The SELF web includes a strainablenetwork having at least two contiguous, distinct, and dissimilarregions. One of the regions is configured so that it will exhibitresistive forces in response to an applied axial elongation in adirection parallel to the predetermined axis before a substantialportion of the other region develops significant resistive forces to theapplied elongation. At least one of the regions has a surface-pathlength which is greater than that of the other region as measuredsubstantially parallel to the predetermined axis while the material isin an untensioned condition. The region exhibiting the longersurface-path length includes one or more deformations which extendbeyond the plane of the other region. The SELF web exhibits at least twosignificantly different stages of controlled resistive force toelongation along at least one predetermined axis when subjected to anapplied elongation in a direction parallel to the predetermined axis.The SELF web exhibits first resistive forces to the applied elongationuntil the elongation of the web is sufficient to cause a substantialportion of the region having the longer surface-path length to enter theplane of applied elongation, whereupon the SELF web exhibits secondresistive forces to further elongation. The total resistive forces toelongation are higher than the first resistive forces to elongationprovided by the first region.

The strainable web material can, in a preferred embodiment, comprise aformed polymeric film. The strainable web material can be made of a basematerial that has a relatively low extensibility under the forces thediaper is normally subjected to when worn. When formed into thestrainable web material as described herein, however, the base material,thus formed, will be extensible under these forces. The strainable webmaterial can also be formed into a structure that provides a "forcewall" to be created at specific, pre-selected elongations and forces.The strainable web material is preferably comprised substantially oflinear low density polyethylene (LLDPE). The strainable web material mayalso be comprised of other polyolefins such as polyethylenes, includinglow density polyethylene (LDPE), ultra low density polyethylene (ULDPE),high density polyethylene (HDPE), or polypropylene and blends thereofwith the above and other materials. Examples of other suitable polymericmaterials which may also be used include, but are not limited topolyester, polyurethanes, compostable or biodegradable polymers, heatshrink polymers, thermoplastic elastomers, and breathable polymericstructures.

The strainable web material can be used in various different forms inthe extensible side panels 30 of the diaper 20. One example of asuitable form of structural elastic-like film is a laminate. Thelaminate comprises a strainable web material secured between twolongitudinally extensible, preferably carded nonwoven webs. (Inaddition, the strainable web material can also be used in the variousother components of the absorbent article described herein.)

The strainable web material is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 in itssubstantially untensioned condition. The strainable web material has twocenterlines, a longitudinal centerline, which is also referred tohereinafter as an axis or direction "l" and a transverse or lateralcenterline, which is also referred to hereinafter as an axis ordirection "t". The lateral centerline "t" is generally perpendicular tothe longitudinal centerline "l". In a preferred embodiment, thelongitudinal centerline 1 of the strainable web material is aligned withthe longitudinal centerline 100 of the diaper 20. In other embodiments,however, the longitudinal centerline 1 of the web material can beoriented in other directions, depending on the direction ofextensibility desired.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, strainable web material 660 includes a"strainable network" of distinct and dissimilar regions. As used herein,the term "strainable network" refers to an interconnected andinterrelated group of regions which are able to be extended to someuseful degree in a predetermined direction providing the strainable webmaterial with an elastic-like, relatively low resistive force stage anda relatively high resistive force stage. The strainable network includesat least a first region 664 and a second region 666. The first region664 has an elastic modulus E1 and a cross-sectional area A1. The secondregion 666 has a modulus E2 and a cross-sectional area A2. The first andsecond regions each have a first surface and an opposing second surface.In the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the strainablenetwork includes a plurality of first regions 664 and a plurality ofsecond regions 666. The first regions 664 have a first axis 668 and asecond axis 669, wherein the first axis 668 is preferably longer thanthe second axis 669. The first axis 668 of the first region 664 issubstantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, 1, of the strainableweb material 660 while the second axis 669 is substantially parallel tothe transverse axis, t, of the strainable web material 660. The secondregions 666 have a first axis 670 and a second axis 671. The first axis670 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the strainableweb material, while the second axis 671 is substantially parallel to thetransverse axis of the strainable web material. In the preferredembodiment of FIG. 6, the first regions 664 and the second regions 666are substantially linear, extending continuously in a directionsubstantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the strainable webmaterial.

In the illustrated embodiment, a portion of the strainable web materialhas been "formed" such that the entire strainable web material exhibitsa controlled resistive force along a predetermined axis (which in thecase of the illustrated embodiment is substantially parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the web material) when subjected to an appliedaxial elongation in a direction substantially parallel to thelongitudinal axis. As used herein, the term "formed" refers to thecreation of a desired structure or geometry upon the web material thatwill substantially retain the desired structure or geometry when it isnot subjected to any externally applied elongations or forces. Suitablemethods for forming a material such as the strainable web materialdescribed herein include, but are not limited to embossing by matingplates or rolls, thermoforming, high pressure hydraulic forming, orcasting.

The web material used in the present invention is comprised of astrainable network of contiguous, "distinct", and "dissimilar" regions,wherein the strainable network includes at least a first region and asecond region, where the first region has a "surface-path length" lessthan that of the second region. The surface path length is measuredparallel to a predetermined axis when the material is in an untensionedstate. As used herein, the term "formed portion" refers to the portionof the material which is comprised of the desired structure or geometryof the strainable network. As used herein, the term "surface-pathlength" refers to a measurement along the topographic surface of theregion in question in a direction parallel to the predetermined axis. Asused herein, the term "distinct" or "dissimilar" when referring toregions, refers to regions within the strainable network havingmeasurably different surface-path lengths as measured parallel to apredetermined axis while the web material is in an untensionedcondition.

In a preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first regions 664comprise a substantially planar region. That is, the material within thefirst region 664 is in substantially the same condition before and afterthe formation step undergone by strainable web material. The secondregions 666 include a plurality of continuous, interconnected,deformations 674 which extend alternately beyond the plane of both thefirst and second surfaces (664A and 664B, respectively) of first region664. In other embodiments, the deformations 674 may extend beyond theplane of only one of either the first or the second surfaces of thefirst region.

The deformations 674 have a first axis 676 which is substantiallyparallel to the transverse axis of the web material and a second axis677 which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of thestrainable web material. The first axis 676 of the deformations 74 is atleast equal to, and preferably longer than the second axis 677. Toenhance the two-stage resistive force versus elongation behaviorcharacteristics of (the side flap) of the present invention, the ratioof the first axis 676 to the second axis 677 is at least 1:1, andpreferably at least 2:1 or greater. In general, the greater this ratio,the more pronounced will be the two-stage resistive force versuselongation characteristic of the web material.

The first region 664 and the second region 666 each have a "projectedpath length". As used herein the term "projected path length" refers tolength of a region as viewed perpendicularly to the surface of the webmaterial measured parallel to the predetermined axis (i.e., parallel tothe longitudinal axis) of the strainable web material 660. The projectedpath length of the first region 664 and the projected path length of thesecond region 666 are equal to one another.

However, the first region 664 has a surface-path length, L1, less thanthe surface-path length, L2, of the second region 666 as measuredtopographically parallel to the longitudinal axis of the web materialwhile the web material is in an untensioned condition. To enhance thetwo-stage resistive force versus elongation behavior characteristic ofthe strainable web material 660, the surface-path length of the secondregion 666 is at least about 15 percent greater than that of the firstregion, more preferably about 30 percent greater than that of the firstregion, and most preferably at least about 70 percent greater than thatof the first region.

The web material 660 exhibits a modified "Poisson lateral contractioneffect" substantially less than that of an otherwise identical unformedweb material of the prior art. As used herein, the term "Poisson lateralcontraction effect" describes the lateral contraction behavior of amaterial which is being subjected to an applied elongation. Preferablythe Poisson lateral contraction effect of the web material of thepresent invention is less than about 0.4 when the web is subjected toabout 20 percent elongation. Preferably, the web material exhibits aPoisson lateral contraction effect less than about 0.4 when the webmaterial is subjected to about 40, 50, or even 60 percent elongation.More preferably, the Poisson lateral contraction effect is less thanabout 0.3 when the web material is subjected to 20, 40, 50, or 60percent elongation.

For the strainable web material, the direction of applied axialelongation, indicated by arrows 680, is substantially perpendicular tothe first axis 676 of the deformations 674. (The amount of axialelongation is distance, D.) As the deformations 674 are able to extendin a direction substantially perpendicular to their first axis 676, thedirection of applied axial elongation to cause extension in strainableweb material is also substantially perpendicular to the first axis 676of the deformations 674.

While the direction of applied axial elongation, indicated by arrows680, is substantially perpendicular to the first axis 676 of thedeformations 674, an applied axial elongation having a longitudinalcomponent will cause the strainable web material to extend in thedirection of applied axial elongation.

In FIG. 10 there is shown an exemplary graph of a resistiveforce-elongation curve 720 of a formed polymeric web material of thepresent invention along with a similar curve 710 for a planar, basepolymeric film from which the web material is formed. Referring now tothe force-elongation curve 720, there is an initial substantiallylinear, lower force versus elongation stage I designated 720a, atransition zone designated 720b, and a substantially linear stage IIdesignated 720c which displays substantially higher force versuselongation behavior, corresponding to a resistive force wall beyondwhich the web material may undergo additional permanent deformation.

As seen in FIG. 10 a formed web material having a strainable networkexhibits a controlled multi-stage behavior when subjected to an appliedelongation in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the webmaterial. The resistive force to the applied elongation is significantlydifferent between stage I (720a) and stage II (720c) of curve 720 ascompared to curve 710 which does not exhibit this behavior. Referringnow to FIG. 6, as the web material is subjected to an applied axialelongation indicated by arrows 680 in FIG. 6, the first region 664having the shorter surface-path length, L1, provides most of the initialresistive force, P1, to the applied elongation which corresponds tostage I. While in stage I, the deformations 674 in the second region 666are mostly out of the plane of applied elongation and offer minimalresistance to the applied elongation. In the transition zone betweenstages I and II, the deformations 74 are becoming aligned with theapplied elongation. In stage II, as seen in FIG. 9, the deformations 674in the second region 666 have become substantially aligned with theplane of applied elongation and begin to resist further elongation. Thesecond region 666 now contributes a second resistive force, P2, tofurther elongation. The first and second resistive forces to elongationprovide a total resistive force, PT, which is greater than the resistiveforce provided by the first region 664. Accordingly, the general slopeof the force-elongation curve in stage II displays the characteristicsof a force wall that is significantly greater than the general slope ofthe force-elongation curve in stage I.

The resistive force P1 is substantially greater than the resistive forceP2 when (L1+D) is less than L2. While (L1+D) is less than L2 the firstregion 664 provides an initial resistive force, P1, generally satisfyingthe equation: ##EQU1##

When (L1+D) is greater than L2 the first and second regions provide acombined total resistive force, PT, to the applied elongation D,generally satisfying the equation: ##EQU2## (Where "*" represents amultiplication sign.)

The maximum elongation occurring while in stage I is considered to bethe "available stretch" of the web material. The available stretch canbe effectively determined by inspection of the force-elongation curve720, the approximate point at which there is an inflection in thetransition zone between stage I and stage II is the percent elongationpoint of "available stretch". The range of available stretch can bevaried from about 10% to 100% or more; this range of elastic-likeresponse is often found to be of interest in disposable absorbentarticles, and can be largely controlled by the extent to whichsurface-path length L2 in the second region 666 exceeds surface-pathlength L1 in the first region 64 and the properties of the base film.Significantly higher forces are required to achieve percent elongationsin the base film equivalent to those percent elongations in the web 660.The approximate extent of stage I can be controlled as desired byadjusting the path lengths, L1 and L2 in an untensioned condition. Theforce-elongation behavior of stage I can be controlled by adjusting thewidth, thickness, and spacing of first region 664 and the properties ofthe base film.

When the web material of FIG. 6 is subjected to an applied elongation,the web material exhibits an elastic-like behavior as it extends in thedirection of applied elongation and retracts to its substantiallyuntensioned condition once the applied force is removed, unless extendedto the point of yielding. The web material is able to undergo multipleapplications of applied elongation without losing its ability tosubstantially recover. Accordingly, the web material is able to retractto its substantially untensioned condition once the applied elongationor force is removed.

While the web material may be easily and reversibly extended in thedirection of applied axial elongation, in a direction substantiallyperpendicular to the first axis 676 of the deformations 674, webmaterial is relatively non-extensible in a direction substantiallyparallel to the first axis 676 of the deformations 674. The plasticdeformation imparted upon the deformations 674 allows the deformationsto be extended in one direction, in a direction substantiallyperpendicular to the first axis of the deformations, while beingrelatively non-extensible in a direction substantially perpendicular tothe direction of extension, in a direction substantially parallel to thefirst axis of the deformations. In other embodiments, the strainable webmaterial 660 can be provided with first regions 664 that extend outwardfrom a center and second regions 666 that are disposed in concentriccircles around the center to make the strainable web material 660extensible in more than one direction.

The amount of applied force required to extend the web material isdependent upon the inherent properties of the base material forming theweb material and the width and spacing of the undeformed regions 664,with narrower and more widely spaced undeformed regions 664 requiringlower extensional forces to achieve the desired elongation. The firstaxis 668, (i.e., the length) of the undeformed regions 664 is preferablygreater than the second axis 669, (i.e., the width) with a preferredlength to width ratio of between 5:1 and 300:1.

The depth and number of deformations 674 can also be varied to controlthe applied force or elongation required to extend the web material ofthe present invention. In one preferred embodiment, the deformations areformed by two rigid plates having outer dimensions of 5.0" by 12" by0.75". On one surface of each plate are a series of meshing teeth whichare substantially triangular in cross section and measure 0.030" attheir bases and taper to a vertex with a radius of 0.008" at the top.The centerlines of the teeth are spaced evenly and at 0.030" increments.On the "toothed" side of one plate, a series of grooves are cut whichare parallel to each other and perpendicular to the evenly spaced teeth.These grooves measure 0.031" wide and are continuous over the entirelength of the plate, and are spaced at a distance of 0.25" on center.These grooves correspond to the undeformed regions of the deformed webof material.

The preferred LLDPE base material is placed between the plates in ahydraulic press having platens larger than the plates to evenlydistribute pressure. The plates are compressed under a load of at least4,000 pounds. The formed web material is then removed from between theplates. The available stretch or elongation is increased if for a givennumber of deformations, the height or degree of deformation imparted onthe deformations is increased. Similarly, the available stretch orelongation is increased if for a given height or degree of deformation,the number or frequency of deformations is increased.

It has been found that the extension characteristics, including theextension forces, extension modulus, and available stretch (extension),and the contractive forces, elastic creep, elastic hysteresis, and rateof contraction of the extensible side panels 30 are importantconsiderations in the performance of the extensible side panels 30 andthe diaper 20. The extension characteristics give the diaperer andwearer the overall perceived "stretchiness" during use. They also affectthe ability of the diaper to achieve a suitable degree of applicationstretch (i.e., for a "normally" perceived tension of the diaper duringapplication,. the total amount of resultant stretch is that desired toachieve/maintain good conformity of fit). An extensible side panel witha relatively high extension modulus can cause red marking on thewearer's skin while relatively low extension modulus can causesagging/slipping on the wearer. Side panels having too little availablestretch may not achieve a suitable level of body conformity and maycontribute in making the diaper uncomfortable to wear and hard to applyto the wearer. A diaper having extensible side panels with very lowcontractive forces may not stay in place on the wearer and they tend tosag/slip on the wearer resulting in poor fit and containment.

Typical extensible materials show a hysteresis loop of force in theirstress-strain property. That is, for a given extension, the force(extension force) required to uniaxially extend the extensible materialis greater than the force (contractive force) the extensible materialexerts when it is allowed to contract from its preextended condition.The former curve can be referred to as the "load curve" and the lattercurve can be referred to as the "unload curve". The "load" extensionforce (extension force) is felt by the diaperer when the extensible sidepanel is stretched to apply the diaper to the wearer. The wearer morenearly "feels" the "unload" forces (contractive forces) once the diaperis on. Therefore, the hysteresis loss should not be so great that thecontractive force is low enough to allow sagging/gapping of the diaperon the wearer.

For the "composite extensible side panel" of the present invention, ithas been found that the extension force, the contractive force, and theminimum amount of extension are preferably within defined ranges. (Asused herein, the phrase "composite extensible side panel" refers to theextensible side panel as a whole, in any configuration and comprisingany material or combination of materials.) The extension force toinitially extend the composite extensible side panel is preferablybetween about 100 grams and about 1200 grams. More preferably, theextension force is between about 200 grams and about 1000 grams. Whenthe composite extensible side panel is held in an extended state forabout five minutes, it is preferred that the composite extensible sidepanel maintain a contractive force of between about 75 grams and about900 grams, and more preferably between about 100 grams and about 850grams. A composite extensible side panel having extension andcontractive forces within these ranges will preferably provide at leastabout 0.15 inches of extension in the direction of the applied force.

The extensible side panels 30 may also be provided with differentialextensibility along the longitudinal axis when stretched in the lateraldirection. As used herein, the term "differential extensibility" is usedto mean a material having a nonuniform degree of extensional properties,as measured in the direction of stretching at various points along anaxis oriented substantially perpendicular to the direction ofstretching. This may, for example, include varying the elastic modulusor available stretch, or both, for each of the extensible material(s).The differential extensibility can be achieved in a number of differentways. The extensible side panels 30 can have multiple combinedextensible materials, multiple configurations for the extensiblematerials, or the extension properties of the extensible or othermaterials making up the extensible side panel may be nonuniform. Forexample, differential extensibility can be achieved in selected adjacentportions of the extensible side panel by using extensible materialshaving varying extensions or contractive forces, modulus, or otherinherent properties such that more or less (varying) lateralextensibility is achieved in one portion of the extensible side panel 30than the adjacent panel. The extensible materials may also have varyinglengths, sizes, and shapes that provide differential extensibility.Other ways of varying the properties of materials that form theextensible side panels 30 as are known in the art may also be used.

The diaper 20 is also preferably provided with a fastening system 48 forfitting the diaper on the wearer. The fastening system 48 maintains thefirst waist region 50 and the second waist region 52 in an overlappingconfiguration to form a side closure. The fastening system 48 furthermaintains tension in both the waist panel 36 and thigh panel 38 to holdthe diaper 20 on the wearer as well as to provide for improved dynamicfit about the legs and waist of the wearer. The fastening system 48 maycomprise any attachment means known in the art, including, but notlimited to, pressure sensitive adhesives, cohesive materials, mechanicalfastening means, hook and loop type fasteners, or any combination ofthese or any other attachment means as known in the art. Examples ofsuitable adhesive tape tab fastening systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 3,848,594 issued to Buell on Nov. 19, 1974; and U.S. Pat. No.4,662,875 issued to Hirotsu and Robertson on May 5, 1987; each of whichare incorporated herein by reference. Examples of other closure systems,including mechanical closure systems, useful in the present inventionare disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,869,724 issued to Scripps on Sep. 26,1989; U.S. Pat. No. 4,846,815 issued to Scripps on Jul. 11, 1989; andU.S. Pat. No. 5,242,436 issued to Weil, Buell, Clear, and Falcone onSep. 7, 1993; each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

As shown in FIG. 1, the fastening system 48 preferably comprises atleast one pair of first fastening members 40 having a primary centerlineF, and at least one second fastening member 42. The primary centerline Fof the first fastening member is generally parallel to the line oftension normally applied to the extensible side panel 30 when fittingthe diaper 20 to the wearer. The primary centerline F of the firstfastening member 40 is preferably at an angle to both the longitudinalcenterline L and the transverse centerline 102 of the diaper 20 in itsuncontracted state. In a preferred embodiment, one first fasteningmember is disposed on the inner surface 44 of each extensible side panel30 adjacent the distal edge 82. The first fastening members 40 arepreferably joined to the distal edge 82 of each extensible side panel30, preferably overlapping the boundary between the waist panel 36 andthe thigh panel 38. This ensures that the first fastening member 36provides tension to "activate" both the waist panel 36 and the thighpanel 38, thereby allowing the panels to more dynamically expand andcontract with the motions of the wearer. The second fastening member 42is preferably disposed on the outer surface 46 of the containmentassembly 22 in the second waist region 52 and is engageable with thefirst fastening member 40.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the diaper 20 comprises at leastone proximal "stiffening member" 84 disposed adjacent the proximal edge80 of each extensible side panel 30. As used herein, the term"stiffening member" means any element of the diaper, any element of theextensible side panel 30, or any other element joined to the extensibleside panel 30 or to the containment assembly 22 of the diaper 20, orboth, that provides compression/buckling resistance in at least onedirection. The compression/buckling resistance provided by the proximalstiffening member 84 reduces bunching of the diaper 20, preferably inthe longitudinal direction, along the longitudinal edges 56 of thecontainment assembly 22 in the first waist region 50. The proximalstiffening member 84 also reduces the tendency of the end edge 58 of thecontainment assembly 22 located in the first waist region 50 and thewaist feature 34 from rolling over as a result of the dynamic motions ofthe wearer. Thus, the proximal stiffening member 84 reduces thelikelihood of gapping in the waist regions of the diaper 20 andincreases the effectiveness of the multi-directional extensible sidepanels 30 by providing an improved dynamic fit about the waist and thighof the wearer.

While the proximal stiffening member 84 may be positioned between thetopsheet 24 and the backsheet 26, the proximal stiffening member 84 mayalternatively be positioned on the outer surface 46 of the backsheet 26,on the inner surface 44 of the topsheet 24, or in a number of otherconfigurations. The proximal stiffening member 84 may take also on anumber of different sizes, shapes, configurations, and materials. Forexample, the proximal stiffening member 84 may be formed from one or aplurality of stiffening components, and the proximal stiffening member84 may have varying widths, lengths, thicknesses, and shapes. Theproximal stiffening member 84 preferably comprises a portion of thematerial making up one or more of the diaper's elements, including thetopsheet 24, the backsheet 26, or the material or materials used in theextensible side panels 30. Alternatively, the proximal stiffening member84 may comprise a separate piece of material positioned adjacent theproximal edge 80 of the extensible side panel 30. Suitable materials foruse as the proximal stiffening member 84 of the present inventioninclude woven webs, nonwoven webs, films, formed films, foams, laminatematerials including film laminates or nonwoven laminates of two or morenonwoven layers, screens, corrugated materials that provide stiffness inat least one direction, and any combination of the above materials orother materials as are known in the art. The proximal stiffening member84 may be joined to the containment assembly 22 by any means known inthe art.

In another preferred embodiment, the diaper additionally comprises adistal stiffening member 86 disposed adjacent the distal edge 82 of theextensible side panel 30. Preferably, the distal stiffening member 86 isjoined to both the waist panel 36 and the thigh panel 38. In thisconfiguration, the distal stiffening member 86 distributes any tensionor forces applied to the distal edge 82 of the extensible side panel 30throughout both the waist panel 36 and the thigh panel 38. The distalstiffening member 86 also provides compression/buckling resistance,preferably along the longitudinal direction in the distal edge 82 of theextensible side panel 30, that reduces the possibility that the distaledge 82 of the extensible side panel 30 will buckle or fold when thewearer moves. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, a distal stiffeningmember 86 disposed adjacent the distal edge 82 of the extensible sidepanel 30 will ensure that the diaper fits the wearer properly and thatthe waist panel 36 and the thigh panel 38 are properly positioned toexpand and contract in conjunction with the dynamic movements of thewearer. As with the proximal stiffening member 84, the distal stiffeningmember 86 can take on a number of different sizes, shapes,configurations, and materials. The distal stiffening member 86 may beformed from one or a plurality of stiffening components, and the distalstiffening member 86 may have varying widths, lengths, thicknesses, andshapes. In a preferred embodiment, the distal stiffening member 86comprises a portion of the material making up the extensible side panels30 or another element of the diaper 20. Alternatively, the distalstiffening member 86 may comprise a separate piece of materialpositioned adjacent the distal edge 82 of the extensible side panel 30.The materials suitable for use in the distal stiffening member 86 andthe methods for joining the distal stiffening member 86 to the diaper 20are described hereinbefore with respect to the proximal stiffeningmember 84.

The diaper 20 is preferably applied to a wearer by positioning one ofthe waist regions, preferably the first waist region 52, under thewearer's back and drawing the remainder of the diaper 20 between thewearer's legs so that the other waist region, preferably the secondwaist region 50, is positioned across the front of the wearer. Thediaperer then wraps one extensible side panel 30 around the wearer,while grasping one of the first fastening members 40 disposed on each ofthe extensible side panels 30. In the embodiment wherein at least aportion of the waist panel 36 and thigh panel 38 are joined together,the tension created by wrapping the extensible side panel 30 around thewearer activates both the waist panel 36 and thigh panel 38(dual-activation), allowing them to expand and contract in conjunctionwith the movements of the wearer. (In embodiments where the waist andthigh panel members are not joined together, dual-activation takes placeas the diaperer applies tension separately to the individual waist andthigh panel members.) The diaperer then repeats this step for the otherextensible side panel 30. The waist closure is formed by engagement ofthe first fastening members 40 to the second fastening member 42 locatedin the second waist region 52. With the formation of the waist closure,the diaper 20 is initially conformably fit about the wearer. If thediaper 20 has been fitted asymmetrically, the diaper 20 will self-adjustduring wear to attain an improved fit. Once fitted to the wearer, themulti-directional extensible side panels 30 expand and contract inconjunction with the motions of the wearer to provide improved dynamicfit throughout the time of wear, well past when the diaper 20 has beenloaded with exudates. This improved dynamic fit reduces sagging andgapping of the diaper 20 in the waist and thigh regions while increasingwearer comfort.

FIG. 11 shows one alternative embodiment of the present invention havinga single component extensible side panel. The extensible side panel ofthis embodiment is designated 30. The extensible side panel 30 comprisesa single piece of extensible material wherein a first portion of theextensible side panel 30 forms the waist panel 36 and a second portionforms the thigh panel 38. The extensible material can comprise a singlelayer material or a laminate of two or more layers of materials thathave been joined together. The multi-directional stretch characteristicsof the single piece extensible side panel 30 are preferably achieved byperforming a mechanical operation, such as pleating, corrugation, orring-rolling, on the material to produce areas of different extensiblebehavior. One preferred mechanical operation suitable for providingmulti-directional stretch characteristics in a material to be used inthe extensible side panel 30 is described above with respect tostructural elastic-like film webs. Alternatively, the extensible sidepanel 30 can be constructed out of extensible materials having areas ofdifferent elastic behavior achieved by means other than theaforementioned mechanical operations, such as slitting, cutting, bondingor folding the extensible material that forms the extensible side panel.In such embodiments, the slits, folds, bonds or cuts in the material arenot limited to any particular sizes or shapes. For example, the materialmaking up the extensible side panel 30 may be fully or partially severedor may have portions cut out or bonded to create different extensibilitycharacteristics in the extensible side panel 30. (As used herein, theterm "fully severed" refers to single component extensible side panels30 having a cut or slit running the entire distance between the proximaledge 80 to the distal edge 82 of the extensible side panel 30. The term"partially severed" refers to single component extensible side panels 30that having a cut or slit that does not extend from the proximal edge 80to the distal edge 82 of the extensible side panel 30.)

In a preferred embodiments, the waist panel 36 preferably has a primarydirection of extensibility G about the wearer's waist. The thigh panel38 preferably has a primary direction of extensibility H at an angle tothe lateral and the longitudinal about the thigh of the wearer. FIG. 11shows an embodiment of the single piece extensible side panel 30comprising a distinct boundary line between the waist and thigh panelsthat defines where the elastic characteristics of each panel begins andends. (The boundary line is denoted by the line C in FIG. 11.) Theboundary between the waist panel 36 and the thigh panel 38 may bepositioned anywhere on the extensible side panel. However, extensibleside panels are contemplated wherein there is no distinct boundarybetween the waist and thigh panels. For example, the extensible sidepanel may be constructed such that areas of different elastic behaviorpartially overlap or do not meet at a common boundary.

FIG. 12 shows an alternative single component embodiment of the presentinvention having a single piece of extensible material joined to thecontainment assembly 22 of the diaper 20 and folded such that theextensible material extends throughout both of the multi-directionalextensible side panels 30, the waist feature 34 and at least a portionof the crotch region 54 of the diaper 20. The extensible material may beuniform throughout or may have areas with different extensibilitycharacteristics. In one embodiment, the extensible material extendsalong at least a portion of the crotch region 54 of the containmentassembly 22 of the diaper 20 juxtaposed at least one longitudinal edge56. In the first waist region 50, the extensible material is folded toform the thigh panel proximal edge 78. From the thigh panel proximaledge 78, the extensible material extends outwardly from the containmentassembly 22, preferably at an angle to the lateral and the longitudinaldirections. The outwardly extending extensible material forms the thighpanel 38 and is folded inwardly at a point spaced laterally outwardlyfrom the longitudinal edge 56 of the containment assembly 22. The foldpreferably forms the distal edge 82 of the extensible side panel 30 aswell as the waist panel distal edge 74 and the thigh panel distal edge76. The inwardly folded extensible material extends from the distal edge82 of the extensible side panel 30 to a location on the longitudinaledge 56 of the containment assembly 22 in the second waist region 52adjacent to the end edge 58, forming the waist panel 36. From the waistpanel proximal edge 72 (where the waist panel 36 joined to thecontainment assembly 22), the extensible material extends laterallyacross the first waist region 50 adjacent to the end edge 58 of thediaper 22. The same piece of extensible material further extendslaterally outwardly from the other longitudinal edge 56 of thecontainment assembly 22 and is folded as previously described to formthe waist panel 36 and the thigh panel 38 of the opposing extensibleside panel 30 as well as at least a portion of the crotch portion 54 ofthe containment assembly 22.

Other alternative embodiments are also contemplated wherein a singlepiece of extensible material extends through multiple components of thediaper 22. In one preferred alternative embodiment, a single piece ofextensible material is folded to form only the waist panel 36 and thighpanel 38. In this configuration, the waist panel distal edge 74 and thethigh panel distal edge 76 are formed by the fold in the extensiblematerial. The waist panel 36 and the thigh panel 38 extend from the fold(distal edge of extensible side panel 82) to the containment assembly22. Incorporating a single piece of extensible material into multiplecomponents of a diaper has the advantage of reducing the number ofindividual elastic components that must be separately formed andattached to the containment assembly.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An absorbent article to be fitted to a wearerhaving a first waist region, a second waist region, a waist encirclableedge, a first leg encirclable edge, a second leg encirclable edge, alateral centerline, a lateral direction parallel to the lateralcenterline, a longitudinal centerline and a longitudinal directionparallel to the longitudinal centerline, the absorbent article furthercomprising:a) a containment assembly having a first longitudinal edgeand a second longitudinal edge, a portion of said first longitudinaledge forming a portion of said first leg encirclable edge and a portionof said second longitudinal edge forming a portion of said second legencirclable edge, a first end edge disposed in said first waist regionand a second end edge disposed in said second waist region, said firstend edge forming a portion of said waist encirclable edge and saidsecond end edge forming a portion of said waist encirclable edge, saidfirst longitudinal edge and said second longitudinal edge extending fromsaid first end edge to said second end edge, said containment assemblyfurther comprising an absorbent core; b) an elastomeric first side paneldisposed along said first longitudinal edge of said containment assemblyin said first waist region and projecting laterally outwardly therefrom,said elastomeric first side panel comprising a first waist panel and afirst thigh panel, said first waist panel having a first waist panelproximal edge and a first waist panel distal edge spaced laterallyoutwardly from said first waist panel proximal edge so as to be disposedlaterally outboard of said first longitudinal edge, said first waistpanel proximal edge having a portion disposed adjacent said first endedge of said containment assembly, said first thigh panel having a firstthigh panel proximal edge and a first thigh panel distal edge spacedlaterally outwardly from said first thigh panel proximal edge so as tobe disposed laterally outboard of said first longitudinal edge of saidcontainment assembly, a portion of said first thigh panel beingoverlapped with and joined to a portion of said first waist panel, saidfirst waist panel being longitudinally outboard of said first thighpanel and forming a portion of said waist encirclable edge, said firstthigh panel forming a portion of said first leg encirclable edge, saidfirst waist panel having a first direction of extensibility and saidfirst thigh panel having a second direction of extensibility when aforce is applied to said elastomeric first side panel, said seconddirection of extensibility being nonparallel to said first direction ofextensibility; and c) an elastomeric second side panel disposed alongsaid second longitudinal edge of said containment assembly in said firstwaist region and projecting laterally outwardly therefrom, saidelastomeric second side panel comprising a second waist panel and asecond thigh panel, said second waist panel having a second waist panelproximal edge and a second waist panel distal edge spaced laterallyoutwardly from said second waist panel proximal edge so as to bedisposed laterally outboard of said second longitudinal edge of saidcontainment assembly, said second waist panel proximal edge having aportion disposed adjacent said first end edge of said containmentassembly, said second thigh panel having a second thigh panel proximaledge and a second thigh panel distal edge spaced laterally outwardlyfrom said second thigh panel proximal edge so as to be disposedlaterally outboard of said second longitudinal edge of said containmentassembly, a portion of said second thigh panel being overlapped with andjoined to a portion of said second waist panel, said second waist panelbeing longitudinally outboard of said second thigh panel and forming aportion of said waist encirclable edge, said second thigh panel forminga portion of said second leg encirclable edge, said second waist panelhaving a third direction of extensibility and said second thigh panelhaving a fourth direction of extensibility when a force is applied tosaid elastomeric second side panel, said fourth direction ofextensibility being nonparallel to said third direction ofextensibility.
 2. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said waistpanel and said thigh panel of each of said elastomeric first side paneland said elastomeric second side panel are a single component.
 3. Theabsorbent article of claim 2 wherein each said single componentelastomeric side panel is at least partially severed between saidproximal edges and said distal edges.
 4. The absorbent article of claim1 wherein each said elastomeric side panel comprises a fold intermediatesaid waist panel and said thigh panel.
 5. The absorbent article of claim4 wherein said fold forms at least a portion of said distal edges ofeach said elastomeric side panel.
 6. The absorbent article of claim 1wherein at least a portion of each said elastomeric side panel is anextension of at least one component of said containment assembly.
 7. Theabsorbent article of claim 1 additionally comprising a first proximalstiffening member joined to a portion of said elastomeric first sidepanel adjacent said first longitudinal edge of said containment assemblyand a second proximal stiffening member joined to a portion of saidelastomeric second side panel adjacent said second longitudinal edge ofsaid containment assembly.
 8. An absorbent article to be fitted to awearer having a longitudinal centerline, a lateral centerline, alongitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal centerline, alateral direction parallel to the lateral centerline, a first waistregion, a second waist region longitudinally opposed to said first waistregion, a waist encirclable edge, a first leg encirclable edge, and asecond leg encirclable edge, the absorbent article further comprising:a)a containment assembly having a first longitudinal edge and a secondlongitudinal edge, a portion of said first longitudinal edge forming aportion of said first leg encirclable edge and a portion of said secondlongitudinal edge forming a portion of said second leg encirclable edge,a first end edge disposed in said first waist region and a second endedge disposed in said second waist region, said first end edge forming aportion of said waist encirclable edge and said second end edge forminga portion of said waist encirclable edge, said first longitudinal edgeand said second longitudinal edge extending from said first end edge tosaid second end edge, said containment assembly further comprising aliquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to saidtopsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between said topsheet andsaid backsheet; b) a multiple component elastomeric first side paneldisposed along said first longitudinal edge of said containment assemblyin said first waist region and projecting laterally outwardly therefrom,said elastomeric first side panel comprising:i) a first waist panelcomprising a first waist panel member having a first direction ofextensibility when a force is applied to said multiple componentelastomeric first side panel, a first waist panel proximal edge adjacentsaid first longitudinal edge of said containment assembly, a first waistpanel distal edge spaced laterally outwardly from said first waist panelproximal edge so as to be disposed laterally outboard of said firstlongitudinal edge of said containment assembly, said first waist panelproximal edge having a portion disposed adjacent said first end edge ofsaid containment assembly, said first waist panel forming a portion ofsaid waist encirclable edge of the absorbent article; and ii) a firstthigh panel disposed longitudinally inboard of said first waist panel,said first thigh panel comprising a first thigh panel member having asecond direction of extensibility when said force is applied to saidmultiple component elastomeric first side panel, said second directionof extensibility being nonparallel to said first direction ofextensibility, a first thigh panel proximal edge adjacent said firstlongitudinal edge of said containment assembly, a first thigh paneldistal edge spaced laterally outwardly from said first thigh panelproximal edge so as to be disposed laterally outboard of said firstlongitudinal edge of said containment assembly, a portion of said firstthigh panel being overlapped with and joined to a portion of said firstwaist panel, said first thigh panel member being a distinct element fromsaid first waist panel member and forming a portion of said first legencirclable edge; and c) a multiple component elastomeric second sidepanel disposed along said second longitudinal edge of said containmentassembly in said first waist region and projecting laterally outwardlytherefrom, said elastomeric second side panel comprising:i) a secondwaist panel comprising a second waist panel member having a thirddirection of extensibility when a force is applied to said multiplecomponent elastomeric second side panel, a second waist panel proximaledge adjacent said second longitudinal edge of said containmentassembly, a second waist panel distal edge spaced laterally outwardlyfrom said second waist panel proximal edge so as to be disposedlaterally outboard of said second longitudinal edge of said containmentassembly, said second waist panel proximal edge having a portiondisposed adjacent said first end edge of said containment assembly, saidsecond waist panel forming a portion of said waist encirclable edge ofthe absorbent article; and ii) a second thigh panel disposedlongitudinally inboard of said second waist panel, said second thighpanel comprising a second thigh panel member having a fourth directionof extensibility when said force is applied to said multiple componentelastomeric second side panel, said fourth direction of extensibilitybeing nonparallel to said third direction of extensibility, a secondthigh panel proximal edge adjacent said second longitudinal edge of saidcontainment assembly, a second thigh panel distal edge spaced laterallyoutwardly from said second thigh panel proximal edge so as to bedisposed laterally outboard of said second longitudinal edge of saidcontainment assembly a portion of said second thigh panel beingoverlapped with and joined to a portion of said second waist panel, saidsecond thigh panel member being a distinct element from said secondwaist panel member and forming a portion of said second leg encirclableedge.
 9. The absorbent article of claim 8 wherein said first directionof extensibility has a vector component oriented laterally outwardlythat is greater than zero and a second vector component oriented towardssaid lateral centerline, said second direction of extensibility has avector component oriented laterally outwardly that is greater than zeroand a second vector component oriented away from said lateralcenterline, said third direction of extensibility has a vector componentoriented laterally outwardly that is greater than zero and a secondvector component oriented towards said lateral centerline, and saidfourth direction of extensibility has a vector component orientedlaterally outwardly that is greater than zero and a second vectorcomponent oriented away from said lateral centerline.
 10. The absorbentarticle of claim 8 wherein at least a portion of said first waist paneldistal edge is joined to at least a portion of said first thigh paneldistal edge and at least a portion of said second waist panel distaledge is joined to at least a portion of said second thigh panel distaledge.
 11. The absorbent article of claim 8 additionally comprising afirst proximal stiffening member joined to a portion of said elastomericfirst side panel adjacent said first longitudinal edge of saidcontainment assembly and a second proximal stiffening member joined to aportion of said elastomeric second side panel adjacent said secondlongitudinal edge of said containment assembly.
 12. The absorbentarticle of claim 8 additionally comprising a pair fastening membersjoined to each said elastomeric side panel, one of said fasteningmembers being disposed adjacent said waist panel distal edge and theother of said fastening members being disposed adjacent said thigh paneldistal edge so as to allow the waist panel and the thigh panel to befastened separately.
 13. An absorbent article to be fitted to a wearerhaving a longitudinal centerline, a lateral centerline, a longitudinaldirection parallel to the longitudinal centerline, a lateral directionparallel to the lateral centerline, a first waist region, a second waistregion longitudinally opposed to said first waist region, a waistencirclable edge, a first leg encirclable edge, and a second legencirclable edge, the absorbent article further comprising:a) acontainment assembly having a first longitudinal edge and a secondlongitudinal edge, a portion of said first longitudinal edge forming aportion of said first leg encirclable edge and a portion of said secondlongitudinal edge forming a portion of said second leg encirclable edge,a first end edge disposed in said first waist region and a second endedge disposed in said second waist region, said first end edge forming aportion of said waist encirclable edge and said second end edge forminga portion of said waist encirclable edge, said first longitudinal edgeand said second longitudinal edge extending from said first end edge tosaid second end edge, said containment assembly further comprising aliquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to saidtopsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between said topsheet andsaid backsheet; b) a multiple component elastomeric first side paneldisposed along said first longitudinal edge of said containment assemblyin said first waist region and projecting laterally outwardly therefrom,said elastomeric first side panel comprising:i) a first waist panelcomprising a first waist panel member having a first direction ofextensibility when a force is applied to said multiple componentelastomeric first side panel, said first direction of extensibilityhaving a vector component oriented laterally outwardly that is greaterthan zero and a second vector component oriented toward said lateralcenterline, a first waist panel proximal edge adjacent said firstlongitudinal edge of said containment assembly, a first waist paneldistal edge spaced laterally outwardly from said first waist panelproximal edge so as to be disposed laterally outboard of said firstlongitudinal edge of said containment assembly said first waist panelproximal edge having a portion disposed adjacent said first end edge ofsaid containment assembly, a first waist panel first lateral edgerunning between said first waist panel proximal edge and said firstwaist panel distal edge, a first waist panel second lateral edgelongitudinally opposed to said first waist panel first lateral edge,said first waist panel first lateral edge forming a part of said waistencirclable edge; and ii) a first thigh panel disposed longitudinallyinboard of said first waist panel, said first thigh panel comprising afirst thigh panel member having a second direction of extensibility whensaid force is applied to said multiple component elastomeric first sidepanel, said second direction of extensibility being nonparallel to saidfirst direction of extensibility, said second direction of extensibilityhaving a vector component oriented laterally outwardly that is greaterthan zero and a second vector component oriented away from said lateralcenterline, a first thigh panel proximal edge adjacent said firstlongitudinal edge of said containment assembly, a portion of said firstthigh panel being overlapped with and joined to a portion of said firstwaist panel, a first thigh panel distal edge laterally opposed to saidfirst thigh panel proximal edge and being disposed laterally outboard ofsaid first longitudinal edge of said containment assembly, a first thighpanel first lateral edge running between said first thigh panel proximaledge and the first thigh panel distal edge, a first thigh panel secondlateral edge longitudinally opposed to said first thigh panel firstlateral edge, said first thigh panel member being a distinct elementfrom said first waist panel member, said first thigh panel secondlateral edge forming part of said first leg encirclable edge; c) amultiple component elastomeric second side panel disposed along saidsecond longitudinal edge of said containment assembly in said firstwaist region and projecting laterally outwardly therefrom, saidelastomeric second side panel comprising:i) a second waist panelcomprising a second waist panel member having a third direction ofextensibility when a force is applied to said multiple componentelastomeric second side panel, said third direction of extensibilityhaving a vector component oriented laterally outwardly that is greaterthan zero and a second vector component oriented toward said lateralcenterline, a second waist panel proximal edge adjacent said secondlongitudinal edge of said containment assembly, a second waist paneldistal edge spaced laterally outwardly from said second waist panelproximal edge so as to be disposed laterally outboard of said secondlongitudinal edge of said containment assembly, said second proximaledge having a portion disposed adjacent said first end edge of saidcontainment assembly, a second waist panel first lateral edge runningbetween said second waist panel proximal edge and said second waistpanel distal edge, a second waist panel second lateral edgelongitudinally opposed to said second waist panel first lateral edge,said second waist panel first lateral edge forming a part of said waistencirclable edge; and ii) a second thigh panel disposed longitudinallyinboard of said second waist panel, said second thigh panel comprising asecond thigh panel member having a fourth direction of extensibilitywhen said force is applied to said multiple component elastomeric secondside panel, said fourth direction of extensibility being nonparallel tosaid third direction of extensibility, said fourth direction ofextensibility having a vector component oriented laterally outwardlythat is greater than zero and a second vector component oriented awayfrom said lateral centerline, a second thigh panel proximal edgeadjacent said second longitudinal edge of said containment assembly, aportion of said second thigh panel being overlapped with and joined to aportion of said second waist panel, a second thigh panel distal edgelaterally opposed to said second thigh panel proximal edge and beingdisposed laterally outboard of said second longitudinal edge of saidcontainment assembly, a second thigh panel first lateral edge runningbetween said second thigh panel proximal edge and said second thighpanel distal edge, a second thigh panel second lateral edgelongitudinally opposed to said second thigh panel first lateral edge,said second thigh panel member being a distinct element from said secondwaist panel member, said second thigh panel second lateral edge formingpart of said second leg encirclable edge; and d) a first fasteningmember disposed adjacent said first waist panel distal edge and saidfirst thigh panel distal edge and joined to both said first waist paneland said first thigh panel, and a second fastening member disposedadjacent said second waist panel distal edge and said second thigh paneldistal edge and joined to both said second waist panel and said secondthigh panel.
 14. The absorbent article of claim 13 wherein said secondvector component of said first direction of extensibility is greaterthan zero, said second vector component of said second direction ofextensibility is greater than zero, said second vector component of saidthird direction of extensibility is greater than zero, and said secondvector component of said fourth direction of extensibility is greaterthan zero.
 15. The absorbent article of claim 14 additionally comprisinga first proximal stiffening member joined to a portion of said multiplecomponent elastomeric first side panel adjacent said first longitudinaledge of said containment assembly and a second proximal stiffeningmember joined to a portion of said multiple component elastomeric secondside panel adjacent said second longitudinal edge of said containmentassembly.
 16. The absorbent article of claim 15 wherein said firstfastening member has a primary centerline forming an angle with thelateral direction.